W220 Steering rack play?

AdamG

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I've recently noticed a clunk/knock that occurs when I turn the steering wheel from lock to lock.

It most often happens at low speed manoeuvring.

While inspecting the inner tie rods I noticed some play in the rack which is most apparent at the driver's side and only when the rack is centred.

I've uploaded a YouTube clip. Is this normal or is the rack knackered:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yQ-1K2iX2A&feature=youtu.be

Thanks very much

Adam
 

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Yes it has failed, I will check later to see if there is any fix
 
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AdamG

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Thanks Malcolm.

The WIS talks of some adjustments but it all looks very complex. Also if the toothed shaft is unevenly worn (centre worse) surely any adjustment would make the steering stiff at full lock?

Cheers

Adam
 

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I have never been into a rack, steering boxes yes, I suppose they must also wear more in the straight ahead position, maybe an indie can throw some more light on this one.

Loads of cars being broken and this is a rare fault on the 220
 

yorkshire1

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bush

from the video movement it looks more like a bushing failure between rack and its housing
 
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AdamG

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I have never been into a rack, steering boxes yes, I suppose they must also wear more in the straight ahead position, maybe an indie can throw some more light on this one.

Loads of cars being broken and this is a rare fault on the 220

Yes this does not seem to be a common problem with the w220.

You're right about all the w220's being broken. It's a shame really. Maybe they are becoming too uneconomical to run.

My worry about buying used is it may have more wear than mine because with out removing the rubber boot it can not be seen or felt.

Interestingly pulling the tie rod in and out does not produce any clunk. When rotated the output of the rack it does move up and down a little. This is the clunking sound when the steering is rocked on the ground I think.

Thanks Adam
 
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AdamG

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from the video movement it looks more like a bushing failure between rack and its housing

The video is not very clear but I'm sure most of the movement is between the toothed shaft and the casing of the rack.

I'm not sure if this is that bad to warrant replacing the rack yet but the clunking noise is annoying.

Thanks

Adam
 

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No parts shown,,, is there nothing that could be put on the shaft to stop the noise

m.mycat
 
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AdamG

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No parts shown,,, is there nothing that could be put on the shaft to stop the noise

I'm tempted to leave it for the time being until it gets worse:)

I do wonder whether a worn rack could cause the car to pull left or right more? My car has always pulled left more than most despite repeated alignments.

I cannot detect any noticeable play when shaking the wheels at the 9 and 3 positions.

Thanks again Malcolm for the help.

Cheers

Adam
 

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Many mercs pull to the left, the rack could not cause this, its caster angle mainly
 

Xtractorfan

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The inner bottom ball joint on the 220 is prone to wear and will give very similar symptoms to what you are experiencing
 
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AdamG

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Looking further at WIS there is a thrust piece that can be adjusted.

It takes up slack in the rack as it wears automatically with a spring but it may have reached max travel. By tightening it gives it some extra travel but looks quite a complicated procedure:)
 
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AdamG

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The inner bottom ball joint on the 220 is prone to wear and will give very similar symptoms to what you are experiencing

Do you mean the one that attaches the thrust arm to the hub bracket?

If so I've done those a couple of years ago and they still look ok although it is hard to see wear in these.

Thanks

Adam
 

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I would replace the rack with a recon unit asap. Pack it with grease before you put the gaitors back on meantime.
 
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AdamG

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I would replace the rack with a recon unit asap. Pack it with grease before you put the gaitors back on meantime.

Thanks for the advice.

I've ordered a second hand one hopefully it will be better. If not I'll get it reconditioned.

Has anyone ever tried to adjust the "play adjuster" on the rack? Looking on BMW and Honda forums it seems quite common.

Also when a rack gets reconditioned do they just replace the seals or do they replace the toothed shaft and worm gear as well if required?
 
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yorkshire1

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Thanks for the advice.

I've ordered a second hand one hopefully it will be better. If not I'll get it reconditioned.

Has anyone ever tried to adjust the "play adjuster" on the rack? Looking on BMW and Honda forums it seems quite common.

Also when a rack gets reconditioned do they just replace the seals or do they replace the toothed shaft and worm gear as well if required?

I suspect its very much dependant on the integrity of company doing the reconditioning, youd have to ask them
 

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Would you like all the service info on the rack and how to adjust
 

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There is a 17mm nut just on/above the outer case on the rack, tighten one quarter of a turn, any more and your make the rack tight, that is the adjuster to take out the play......
 
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AdamG

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Would you like all the service info on the rack and how to adjust

Thanks Malcolm for the offer but I have WIS. Although understanding it is another thing :p

You don't have any other info source do you?
 

television

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Thanks Malcolm for the offer but I have WIS. Although understanding it is another thing :p

You don't have any other info source do you?

Sorry just what in WIS
 

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